JP7139030B2 - photoelectric connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a connector, particularly an optoelectronic connector for transmitting optical and electrical signals.

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. The contents of are included herein.

Optical fibers have been widely used as signal transmission media in recent years due to their advantages of wide frequency band and low loss. The use of optical fibers has had a major revolutionary impact on the telecommunications industry. At present, the use of 100G optical module communication is no longer sufficient, and it is expected that 400G optical module will be used in the future. With advances in communication technology, data centers or computer rooms must meet the need for using high density cabling.

In order to meet the above usage needs, fiber optic transmission media, fiber optic connectors, are the main factor in increasing data volume and transmission speed in data centers. However, in certain applications, such as transmission towers or repeaters, wires are required to power receivers and transmitters in addition to the use of optical fibers for information transmission. Based on such needs, there are photoelectric connector products that can transmit optical signals and power at the same time.

In the prior art, there are connectors that generate optical signals and power at the same time, but due to the difference in the operational properties of the optical signals and power, when the optoelectronic connector is inserted into or withdrawn from the connector socket, the optical The timing of coupling or electrical connection with connector sockets is very important for optoelectronic connectors that transmit signals and electrical connectors that transmit power. If the outer case of a conventional optoelectronic connector is loose, the electrical connection module can still conduct power. However, the optical connection module cannot be turned on due to the loss of axial force. The problem arises that connectors that transmit optical signals without stopping electricity interrupt signal transmission. Accordingly, there is a need for an optoelectronic connector that solves the problems posed by the prior art.

In the background section above, the descriptions disclosed are for the purpose of making the background of the invention more comprehensible. Accordingly, the above description includes prior art that does not obscure the present invention, which should be familiar to those skilled in the art.

The present invention provides an optoelectronic connector, which can provide optical and electrical signals simultaneously. The connection modules for transmitting optical signals and electrical signals each have a locking device, after inserting the optoelectronic connector into the connector socket, the optical connection module and the electrical connection module simultaneously produce a locking locking effect on the connector socket. Alternatively, the optical connection module first generates the connector socket and locking lock, and then the electrical connection module generates the connector socket and locking lock. In addition, the opto-electric connector has a two-step unlocking design, which will unlock the power transmission electrical connection module when the opto-electric connector is accidentally pulled out along the insertion/extraction direction or pulled out from the connector socket. Then, the optical connection module for optical signal transmission can be unlocked. When the user pulls the optoelectronic connector and malfunctions, the optical connection module that transmits the optical signal is removed from the connector socket, thus avoiding the problem of interrupting the signal. As long as the optical cable cannot be pulled out, the path carrying the optical signal will always have an ON effect.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an optoelectronic connector for inserting a connector socket, the optoelectronic connector comprising an optical connection module, an electrical connection module, a base and a slide cover. The electrical connection module is slidably connected to the optical connection module, and the electrical connection module is matingly connected to the connector socket. The base is connected to the optical connection module, the base has a slide hole, and the electrical connection module is slidably provided in the slide hole. The slide cover is slidably provided on the base, and by sliding the slide cover, the locked relationship between the electrical connection module and the connector socket is released first, and then the locked relationship between the optical connection module and the connector socket is released. Release.

In order to make the above objects, technical features and advantages after implementation more obvious, the embodiments will be described in more detail along with the drawings.

Only diagrams of embodiments of the invention will be more fully understood through the detailed description and drawings. Accordingly, the following drawings are intended to be used to illustrate embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the invention.

The optoelectronic connector of the present invention can simultaneously transmit optical and electrical signals. The connection modules, which transmit optical and electrical signals, each have a locking device. As a result, after the optoelectronic connector is inserted into the connector socket, the optical connection module and the electrical connection module simultaneously or the optical connection module before the electrical connection module form a locking effect with the connector socket. In addition, the optoelectronic connector has a two-step unlocking design, so that when the optoelectronic connector is pulled out in the extraction direction, the power transmission connector module is unlocked first, and then the optical signal transmission connector module is unlocked. be able to. To avoid the problem that an optical connection module, which transmits an optical signal, is removed from a connector socket and the signal is interrupted by a user's erroneous operation of the optoelectronic connector.

1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an optoelectronic module and an optoelectronic connector of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an optoelectronic module and optoelectronic connector of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention inserted into a connector socket; FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention inserted into a connector socket; FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention inserted into a connector socket; FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention inserted into a connector socket; FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention inserted into a connector socket; FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention inserted into a connector socket; FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention unplugged from the connector socket; FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention unplugged from the connector socket; FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention unplugged from the connector socket; FIG. 4 is an operational schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optoelectronic connector of the present invention unplugged from the connector socket;

The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the method for achieving it, are explained in more detail, for ease of understanding, with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the embodiments provided make this disclosure more thorough, comprehensive, and complete in conveying the scope of the invention. And the invention shall be defined only by the scope of the appended claims. In the accompanying illustrations, the sizes and relative sizes of the components are exaggerated for clarity and understanding. Throughout the specification, several different component numbers may refer to the same component. As used below, the term "and/or" includes any and all one or more associated component(s) in any combination.

1A and 1B, which are schematic exploded views of one embodiment of the optoelectronic module and optoelectronic connector of the present invention. In this embodiment, the optoelectronic module includes a connector socket 3 and an optoelectronic connector 2 joined to the connector socket 3 . The upper half of the connector socket 3 has a first groove 30 , the lower half of the connector socket 3 has a second groove 31 , and the optoelectronic connector 2 is inserted into the first groove 30 and the second groove 31 . In this embodiment, the photoelectric connector 2 is inserted into the connector socket 3 from the first insertion side 3A of the connector socket 3 .
The connector socket 3 has a second locking portion 32 on the side wall on the first insertion side 3A, and a plurality of locking portions 34 on the upper surface 33 of the connector socket 3 . In this embodiment, the locking portion 34 has a through-hole structure. The actions of the second locking portion 32 and the locking portion 34 will be described later.

The optoelectronic connector 2 includes an optical connection module 20 , an electrical connection module 21 , a base 22 and a slide cover 23 . The optical connection module 20 has a plurality of connector housings 200 arranged on the base 22 . In addition, in this embodiment, the plurality of connector housings 200 is an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a single connector housing 200 can also be implemented. Each connector housing 200 corresponds to the first groove 30, and has a connection terminal 201 inside the connector housing 200, which is connected to a photoelectric connector (not shown) inserted from the second insertion side 3B to transmit optical signals to each other. do. The top surface of the connector housing 200 has locking arms 202 and each side of each locking arm 202 has locking members 203 . When each connector housing 200 is inserted into the corresponding first groove 30 , the locking members 203 on both sides of the locking arm 202 are connected to the locking portion 34 to insert each connector housing 200 into the first groove 30 of the connector socket 3 . It can be ensured that it is positioned and placed. In this embodiment, the lock portion 34 is a through hole, and the lock member 203 is a projection that can be embedded in the through hole.

The base 22 has a support surface 220 which divides it into two areas each having a partition seat 221 for receiving the connector housing 200 . The partition seat 221 further includes a limiting portion 221a and a limiting groove 221b. When connector housing 200 is placed on support surface 220 , end 205 of connector housing 200 abuts limiting portion 221 a and limiting groove 221 b provides for receiving restraining member 204 on connector housing 200 . As a result, the connector housing 200 is restrained in both forward and reverse directions of its axial direction. The base 22 has a slide hole 222 for passing the electrical connection module 21 . The guide rail portion 223 and the slide cover 23 are slidably attached to both sides of the base 22, respectively. In this embodiment, the base 22 has protrusions 224 on both sides thereof, and guide rail portions 223 are formed on both upper and lower sides thereof. The upper part of the partition seat 221 has a receiving groove 225 for receiving the release portion 24, in this embodiment the receiving groove 225 comprises a pivot groove 225a and a structural groove 225b, and the release portion 24 is a structure. 242 , pivot 240 and presser bar 241 . Pivot 240 is connected to one end of structure 242 and push bar 241 is connected to the other end of structure 242 . Pivot 240 is received in pivot groove 225a and structure 242 is received in structural groove 225b. In this embodiment, a pair of pressing bars 241 respectively correspond to the locking arms 202 , the structure 242 has grooves 243 and both sides have pressing bars 241 . The groove 243 has an abutment surface 244 therein. The mode of operation between the presser bar 241 and the locking arm 202 will be described later. On one side of the receiving groove 225 is a limiting groove 226 with limiting members 226a on both sides.

The electrical connection module 21 has a slide housing 210 and a fixed seat 212, the slide housing 210 is slidably connected with the slide hole 222 through the slide hole 222, and the fixed seat 212 is one end of the slide housing 210. It is connected to the. The slide housing 210 can slide within the slide hole 222, and the slide housing 210 has two receiving spaces 210a and 210b that can be connected or not connected to each other. Receiving spaces 210 a , 210 b have conductive terminals 211 .
When the slide housing 210 is inserted into the second groove 31 of the connector socket 3 from the first insertion side 3A, the conductive terminals 211 are inserted into the second groove 31 from the second insertion side 3B into another electrical connection module (not shown). ) to transmit power. The fixed seat 212 has a through hole 2121 for passing an optical fiber lead, and the passed optical fiber is connected to the optical connection module 20 . The fixed seat 212 has a post 212b connected to the fixed seat 212 at one end and connected to the contact portion 213 at the other end. , the contact portion 213 has a contact member 213a. In this embodiment, the limiting member 226a and the abutment member 213a are of hook design and can abut each other when the slide housing 210 slides to a particular position. Furthermore, both sides of the fixed seat 212 have first locking portions 214 that lock with the second locking portions when the electrical connection module 21 and the connector socket 3 are connected.

Both sides of the slide cover 23 each have a guide rail portion 223 and a guide rail groove 230 for sliding relative to each other. The outer surface 231 of each guide rail groove 230 has an unlocking portion 232 and a push-in portion 233. The unlocking portion 232 pushes the second locking portion 32 to the outside when the slide cover 23 slides, and the first locking portion The locking relationship between 214 and the second locking portion 32 is released. The pushing part 233 can contact the first locking part 214 when the slide cover 23 is slid to a specific position, so that the electrical connection module 21 can be driven when the slide cover 23 slides. can be done. The slide cover 23 further has a projecting member 234. When the slide cover 23 slides, the projecting member 234 presses the abutting surface 244 in the groove 243, thereby locking the optical connection module 20 and the connector socket 3 in a locked state. is released.

The mode of operation of the optoelectronic connector shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B will now be described. First, the operation when the photoelectric connector 2 is inserted into the connector socket 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2A, the user grabs the tail sleeve 25 of the optoelectronic connector 2 and applies a thrust F1 to insert it into the connector socket 3 . According to the design spirit of the present invention, when the optoelectronic connector 2 is inserted into the connector socket 3 , in one embodiment, the optical connection module 20 is connected to the connector socket 3 before the electrical connection module 21 . , or in another embodiment, the optical connection module 20 is connected to the connector socket 3 at the same time as the electrical connection module 21 .

2B-2E are illustrated in side views of the optoelectronic connector 2 and connector socket 3. FIG. The first locking portion 214 on the electrical connection module 21 of the initial photoelectric connector 2 maintains a sliding space S between the push-in portions 233 on the sliding cover 23 . When the photoelectric connector 2 is inserted into the connector socket 3 , the unlocking portion 232 of the slide cover 23 is in contact with the second locking portion 32 of the connector socket 3 . In this embodiment, the unlocking portion 232 has a structure that protrudes from the side surface of the slide cover 23, and has a first guide slope 232a, a convex surface 232b, and a second guide slope 232c. The convex surface 232 b is arranged between the first guide slope 232 a and the second guide slope 232 c and has a height H protruding from the side surface of the slide cover 23 . The second locking portion 32 has a cantilever 320 , a positioning hook 321 and an unlocking body 322 . A cantilever 320 extends from the body structure of the connector socket 3 , a positioning hook 321 is arranged at one end of the cantilever 320 , and unlocking bodies 322 protrude from both sides of the corresponding positioning hook 321 . When the photoelectric connector 2 continues to move from the state shown in FIG. 2A toward the connector socket 3, the state shown in FIG. 2A is reached. Since the electrical connection module 21 is slidably connected to the base 22, when the first guide slope 232a contacts the unlocking body 322, it continues to move in the insertion direction D according to the thrust F1. As the electrical connection module 21 continues to move in the insertion direction D, the slide space S gradually contracts, and finally, the first locking portion 214 abuts against the push-in portion 233 of the slide cover 23, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 2C. Form. In the state of FIG. 2C, the thrust F1 applied from the tail sleeve 25 drives the photoelectric connector 2, and the optical connection module 20 and the electrical connection module 21 are interlocked.

The optoelectronic connector 2 then continues to move in the insertion direction D. FIG. When the photoelectric connector 2 moves, the first guiding slope 232a pushes the unlocking body 322 outward, driving the cantilever 320 to flexibly expand outward until the convex surface 232b contacts the unlocking body 322, FIG. 2D to form a state as shown in As the photoelectric connector 2 continues to move in the insertion direction D, the height of the second guide slope 232c decreases after the convex surface 232b passes through the unlocking body 322. As shown in FIG. When the electrical connection module 21 is inserted and positioned at the bottom, the second guide slope 232c passes through the unlocking body 322. As shown in FIG. At this time, since the unlocking body 322 is not pushed by an external force, it returns to the initial position by the cantilever 320, forming the state shown in FIG. 2E. In the state of FIG. 2E , the positioning hook 321 has a restraining effect on the first locking portion 214 of the electrical connection module 21 . At the same time, the lock member 203 on the locking arm 202 of the optical connection module 20 is also embedded in the lock portion 34, so both the optical connection module 20 and the electrical connection module 21 are locked. Next, as shown in FIG. 2F, the slide cover 23 continues to move in the insertion direction, and as a result, a slide space S is formed between the first engaging portion 214 and the pushing portion 233 of the slide cover 23 .

Next, an operation method for removing the photoelectric connector 2 from the connector socket 3 will be described. When the photoelectric connector 2 is inserted into the connector socket 3, the optical connection module 20 and the electrical connection module 21 are locked at the same time. Therefore, when removing the photoelectric connector 2 from the connector socket 3, it is first necessary to release the locked state. In this embodiment, when the optoelectronic connector 2 is pulled out from the connector socket 3 by the unlocking tension R, the electrical connection module 21 is first slid and unlocked with respect to the optical connection module 20 and connected to the connector socket 3 . released from the state of The electrical connection module 21 then drives the optical connection module 20 to unlock and pull the photoelectric connector 2 away from the connector socket 3 . The detailed operation is the state of the photoelectric connector 2 inserted into the connector socket 3, as shown in FIG. 3A. First, the user applies the unlocking force R to move the slide cover 23 in the pull-out direction D2. Please refer to FIGS. 3A and 3B simultaneously. In the state of FIG. 3A , a slide space S is formed between the first locking portion 214 and the push-in portion 233 of the slide cover 23 . When the slide cover 23 moves in the D2 direction, the push-in portion 233 moves toward the first locking portion 214, and the slide space S is reduced. Finally, the state shown in FIG. 3B is formed in the first locking portion 214 . In this state, the optical connection module 20 and the electrical connection module 21 are still locked. The lower right area of FIG. 3B shows the positional relationship between the restricting groove 226 and the contact portion 213 in the area A1 when the optoelectronic connector 2 is in the state of FIG. 3B. In the state of FIG. 3B, a specific distance L is maintained between the contact member 213a of the contact portion 213 and the limiting member 226a.

As shown in FIGS. 3B to 3C, when the slide cover 23 continues to move in the pull-out direction D2, as shown in the lower left area of FIG. The unlocking body 322 is touched. As the slide cover 23 moves, the second guide slope 232c pushes the unlocking body 322 outward, releasing the locked state between the positioning hook 321 and the first locking portion 214. As shown in FIG. At this time, the first locking portion 214 is not restrained by the positioning hook 321, and the electrical connection module 21 and the connector socket 3 are unlocked. Therefore, when the unlocking force R continuously pulls in the extraction direction D2, the entire electrical connection module 21 begins to move in the extraction direction D2.
Since the slide housing 210 is slidably provided within the base 22, by continuously pulling the slide cover 23 with the unlocking force R, the slide housing 210 moves in the pull-out direction D2. The movement of the slide housing 210 finally causes the contact member 213a of the contact portion 213 of the slide housing 210 to contact the limit member 226a in the limit groove 226 of the base 22, as shown in area A1 of FIG. 3C. . When the slide cover 23 pushes the electrical connection module 21 after the abutment portion 213 abuts against the restriction member 226 a , the electrical connection module 21 transmits thrust to the optical connection module 20 . As a result, the optical connection module 20 can move simultaneously with the electrical connection module 21 pulled by the unlocking force R.

3C is shown at the corresponding position of the release portion 24 inside the slide cover 23, which has an abutment surface 234a and a protruding member corresponding to the abutment surface 244 of the release portion 24. Please note that In this embodiment, the contact surfaces 234a, 244 are sloped surfaces. Therefore, since the slide cover 23 is pulled in the pull-out direction D2, the contact portion 213 contacts the restricting member 226a and the contact surface 234a slides to the contact surface 244 at the same time. A force is applied to the contact surface 244 while the slide cover 23 is moving in the pull-out direction D2. In the process of applying force, the pivot 240 of the release portion 24 is supported by the pivot groove 225a and rotates in the counterclockwise direction RC1 to press the pressing bar 241 against the locking arm 202. As shown in FIG. The locking arm 202 receives the force of the pressing bar 241 and rotates around the connection with the connector housing 200 as a fulcrum. The lock member 203 fitted inside the lock portion 34 releases the locked state of the optical connection module 20 by coming out of the lock portion 34 . As shown in FIG. 3C, the unlocking force R continuously moves in the withdrawal direction D2 and at the same time moves the optical connection module 20 and the electrical connection module 21 in the withdrawal direction D2. Finally, the entire optoelectronic connector 2 is pulled out of the connector socket 3, as shown in FIG. 3D.

The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Since the present invention can actually achieve the desired functions and objectives, and can be implemented by a person skilled in the art based on the above detailed description, from the above examples, changes in equivalent structure are still without departing from the scope of rights of the invention. That is, any changes or modifications made in the same creative spirit related to the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

2 photoelectric connector 2a photoelectric connector
20 optical connection module 200 connector housing 201 connection terminal 201a receiving space 201b receiving space
202 locking arm 203 locking member 204 restraining member
205 end 21 electrical connection module 210 slide housing 211 conductive terminal 212 fixed seat 212b post 2120 wall surface 2121 through hole
213 contact part
213a contact member 214 first locking portion
22 Base 22a Base 220 Support surface 221 Partition seat
221a Limiting portion 221b Limiting groove 222 Slide hole 223 Guide rail portion 224 Projection 225 Receiving groove 225a Pivot groove 225b Structural groove 226 Limiting groove 226a Limiting member 23 Slide cover
230 guide rail groove 231 outer surface 232 unlocking portion 232a first guide slope 232b convex surface 232c second guide slope 233 pushing portion
234 Projecting member 234a Contact surface 24 Release portion 240 Pivot 241 Presser bar 242 Structure 243 Groove 244 Contact surface 25 Tail sleeve 3 Connector socket 30 First groove 31 Second groove 32 Second locking portion 320 Cantilever 321 Positioning hook 322 Unlock body 33 Upper surface 34 Lock part 3A First insertion side 3B Second insertion side A1 Area F1 Thrust force
H Height R Unlocking force R1 Pressure R2 Thrust RC1 Counterclockwise D Insertion direction D2 Withdrawal direction S Slide space

Claims (7)

A photoelectric connector for insertion into a connector socket, comprising an optical connection module, an electrical connection module, a base and a slide cover,
the electrical connection module is slidably connected to the optical connection module, the electrical connection module is engaged with the connector socket, and
the base is connected to the optical connection module, the base has a slide hole, the electrical connection module is slidably arranged in the slide hole,
The slide cover is slidably arranged on the base, and the slide cover is slid to first release the locking relationship between the electrical connection module and the connector socket, and then slide the optical connection module and the connector socket. An opto-electronic connector, characterized in that it releases the locking relationship between the two. When inserted into the connector socket, the optical connection module is connected to the connector socket before the electrical connection module, or the optical connection module and the electrical connection module are simultaneously connected to the connector socket. The optoelectronic connector of claim 1, characterized in that: The base has a receiving groove for receiving a release portion, and the optical connection module has an outer housing with a locking arm, the locking arm allowing the optical connection module to be inserted into the connector socket. When the slide cover is slid, the connector socket is locked, the release portion further abuts one end of the locking arm, and when the slide cover is slid, a force is applied to the release portion, and the release portion is released. 2. The optoelectronic connector of claim 1, wherein pressure is applied to said locking arm to thereby release the locking relationship between said locking arm and said connector socket. The base further has a restricting member, the electrical connection module further has a slide housing having an abutment, the electrical connection module is moved by sliding the slide cover, and the abutment is abutting on a restricting member, the abutting portion applies a force to the restricting member by an unlocking force, thereby driving the optical connection module to escape from the connector socket, 2. The optoelectronic connector of claim 1. Both sides of the slide cover are respectively provided with guide rail grooves slidably arranged on both sides of the base, and both sides of the slide housing are further provided with the connector sockets for positioning the electrical connection module. The slide cover has a first locking portion that locks with the second locking portion, and the slide cover separates the first locking portion from the second locking portion by sliding. 5. The optoelectronic connector of claim 4. Both sides of the slide cover are provided with unlocking portions that push the second locking portion outward when the slide cover slides. 6. An optoelectronic connector as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that it is decoupled. 2. The optoelectronic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein both sides of said base are respectively provided with guide rail structures slidably connected to the sides of said slide cover.

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